In a press release shared with AFP, Getir has officially announced its intention to withdraw from the French market. Getir, renowned for pioneering the concept of quick commerce, enables customers to order groceries without the need to select a delivery slot. Instead, these innovative companies, like Getir, promptly commence fulfilling orders, ensuring grocery delivery within a remarkable timeframe of under 30 minutes.
Originating from Turkey, Getir has emerged as one of the dominant players in this relatively nascent sector. During the peak of the instant grocery phenomenon, Getir achieved an impressive valuation of $11.8 billion, expanding its operations to several European countries. However, the nature of quick commerce necessitates significant initial investments, as companies must establish an extensive network of dark stores in major cities, ensuring customers reside mere minutes away from their nearest dark store.
Unfortunately, as funding became scarce, numerous quick commerce startups encountered challenges in achieving profitability within the required timeframe. This predicament prompted Getir to acquire Gorillas in late 2022, with Gorillas having previously acquired Frichti, a French startup offering delivery services for both ready-to-eat meals and groceries.
In a statement to AFP, a Getir spokesperson highlighted the considerable difficulties posed by the intricate legal environment and regulations imposed by local authorities in France. Notably, in March, the French government designated dark stores as warehouses rather than conventional retail establishments. This classification grants local authorities the power to determine whether warehouses are permissible within city centers.
The path forward remains uncertain for Getir. Although the company has declared its intention to completely withdraw from the French market, it has also filed for bankruptcy. Presently, court-appointed administrators are actively seeking another company willing to assume certain aspects of Getir’s operations in France. Consequently, Getir’s 1,800 employees in France face an uncertain future, as their employment prospects hinge on the outcome of the ongoing bankruptcy proceedings.
Furthermore, Flink, a direct competitor of Getir, has also filed for bankruptcy in France. Notably, Flink had previously acquired Cajoo, another French competitor.
Similarly, Gopuff, another key player in the industry, had already departed from the French market in January. Thus, it appears that the entire instant grocery delivery sector is fading away in France, further reinforcing the notion of the fleeting nature of quick commerce.
